It’s all about safety at Wanderers Golf Club
Now 144 people are allowed.This is a far cry from the 240 people The Wanderers saw before the lockdown, but the situation was not all that bad.
The Wanderers Golf Club is abuzz with members and visitors taking to the greens to exercise safely during the lockdown.
When golf was opened to the public following revised lockdown Level 3 regulations, 100 people were permitted on the course at a time. Now 144 people are allowed. This is a far cry from the 240 people The Wanderers saw before the lockdown, but the situation was not all that bad said the club’s golf director, Francois Spanenberg.
“We had a team of three people maintaining the greens when the club was closed and even now we have only brought about a third of our staff back,” he added.
“There was not much income for us in the first few weeks of lockdown but things are starting to improve.”
The golf professional said players were happy to find the course in good nick when they returned, but protocols still had to be followed to keep everyone safe. “No gatherings are allowed and golfers need to leave right after their games. We are following guidelines from our governing body, Golf RSA and CMASA [Club Management Association of Southern Africa] and PGA [Professional Golfers Association] of South Africa.”
These guidelines are visible on a large poster at the club shop, which has become a makeshift headquarters for staff. Protocols include screening and taking temperatures of people at the club entrance, sanitising frequently, social distancing and wearing a face mask when not playing. Some golfers opted to wear face masks even while playing.
Flag poles are not to be touched and there are devices fitted to the poles to allow players to retrieve the balls from the holes by using their golf clubs. Course attendants, or caddies, are also operating differently to ensure a measure of safety. They will not carry equipment for golfers but can continue to offer advice and help to find balls. They have to be pre-booked before rounds.
Each golf cart must also only be used by one person. All rounds must be pre-booked. The club’s restaurant is closed but the shop serves takeaway food.
Details: The Wanderers Golf Club info@wanderersgolfclub.com; 011 447 3311.
